Total Sodium Concentration Research Articles

Sodium accumulation is associated with disability and a progressive course in multiple sclerosis

Neuroaxonal loss is a major substrate of irreversible disability in multiple sclerosis, however, its cause is not understood. In multiple sclerosis there may be intracellular sodium accumulation due to neuroaxonal metabolic dysfunction, and increased extracellular sodium due to expansion of the extracellular space secondary to neuroaxonal loss. Sodium magnetic resonance imaging measures total sodium concentration in the brain, and could investigate this neuroaxonal dysfunction and loss in vivo. Sodium magnetic resonance imaging has been examined in small cohorts with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, but has not been investigated in patients with a progressive course and high levels of disability. We performed sodium magnetic resonance imaging in 27 healthy control subjects, 27 patients with relapsing-remitting, 23 with secondary-progressive and 20 with primary-progressive multiple sclerosis. Cortical sodium concentrations were significantly higher in all subgroups of multiple sclerosis compared with controls, and deep grey and normal appearing white matter sodium concentrations were higher in primary and secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis. Sodium concentrations were higher in secondary-progressive compared with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in cortical grey matter (41.3 ± 4.2 mM versus 38.5 ± 2.8 mM, P = 0.008), normal appearing white matter (36.1 ± 3.5 mM versus 33.6 ± 2.5 mM, P = 0.018) and deep grey matter (38.1 ± 3.1 mM versus 35.7 ± 2.4 mM, P = 0.02). Higher sodium concentrations were seen in T₁ isointense (44.6 ± 7.2 mM) and T1 hypointense lesions (46.8 ± 8.3 mM) compared with normal appearing white matter (34.9 ± 3.3 mM, P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Higher sodium concentration was observed in T₁ hypointense lesions in secondary-progressive (49.0 ± 7.0 mM) and primary-progressive (49.3 ± 8.0 mM) compared with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (43.0 ± 8.5 mM, P = 0.029 for both comparisons). Independent association was seen of deep grey matter sodium concentration with expanded disability status score (coefficient = 0.24, P = 0.003) and timed 25 ft walk speed (coefficient = -0.24, P = 0.01), and of T1 lesion sodium concentration with the z-scores of the nine hole peg test (coefficient = -0.12, P < 0.001) and paced auditory serial addition test (coefficient = -0.081, P < 0.001). Sodium concentration is increased within lesions, normal appearing white matter and cortical and deep grey matter in multiple sclerosis, with higher concentrations seen in secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis and in patients with greater disability. Increased total sodium concentration is likely to reflect neuroaxonal pathophysiology leading to clinical progression and increased disability.

Growth and photosynthetic responses to copper in wild grapevine

The present study evaluates the tolerance and accumulation potential of Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris under moderate and high external Cu levels. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in order to investigate the effects of a range of external Cu concentrations (0–23mmolL−1) on growth and photosynthetic performance by measuring gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and photosynthetic pigments. We also measured the total copper, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and sodium concentrations in the plant tissues. All the experimental plants survived even with external Cu concentrations as high as 23mmolL−1 (1500mg Cu L−1), although the excess of metal resulted in a biomass reduction of 35%. The effects of Cu on growth were linked to a reduction in net photosynthesis, which may be related to the effect of the high concentration of the metal on photosynthetic electron transport. V. vinifera ssp. sylvestris survived with leaf Cu concentrations as high as 80mgkg−1 DW and growth parameters were unaffected by leaf tissue concentrations of 35mg Cu kg−1 DW. The results of our study indicate that plants of V. vinifera ssp. sylvestris from the studied population are more tolerant to Cu than the commercial varieties of grapevine that have been studied in the literature, and could constitute a basis for the genetic improvement of Cu tolerance in grapevine.

SALINITY EFFECTS ON GROWTH AND APICAL DOMINANCE IN PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.

The effect of irrigation with saline nutrient solutions on the growth of the main stem and lateral shoots of two varieties of dwarf bean (Phaseolus vulgaris cvs. Balady and Black Valentine) was studied. Saline culture solutions were prepared by adding NaCl to Pfeffer's nutrient solution. Salinity, especially at 20 meq NaCl, promoted the growth of the main stem in cv. Balady, whereas that of cv. Black Valentine was promoted by up to 60 meq NaCl. The growth of lateral shoots was enhanced with salinity up to 20 meq NaCl in cv. Balady and 40 meq Nad in cv. Black Valentine, although higher concentrarations were not suppressive as compared with the control. The levels of some mineral elements in the leaves were determined. Total nitrogen and sodium concentrations in both varieties were increased, whereas phosphorus and potassium concentrations were progressively decreased by salinity.

Salt Poisoning as a Cause of Morbidity and Mortality in Neonatal Dairy Calves

Salt Poisoning as a Cause of Morbidity and Mortality in Neonatal Dairy Calves

What can sodium MRI reveal about sodium accumulation in the brain: implications for multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis: needs for biomarkers of neuronal injury Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the CNS, representing the leading cause of neuro­ logical disability in young adults. Focal inflam­ matory and demyelinating lesions disseminated in the cerebral white matter have been considered for several decades to be the main feature of MS. However, recent histological studies have also demonstrated the presence of diffuse and progressive damage in cerebral white and gray matter, leading to neuronal injury [1–3]. While neuronal injury is known to occur progressively from the onset of MS and is thought to be a significant cause of increasing clinical disability, the mechanisms underlying neuronal injury are still poorly understood. Furthermore, the conventional MRI metrics lack the specificity required to depict this pathological process, so noninvasive and in vivo biomarkers of neuronal injury are needed. Recently, several experimental studies have highlighted the potential key role of sodium accumulation leading to the pathogenesis of neuronal injury [4–7]. It appears that occurrence of demyelination is followed by upregulation and redistribution of sodium channels along the entire demyelinated axolemna [4,8,9]. The increased number of sodium channels enhances the amount of energy required from the Na/K ATPase. Concomitantly, soluble mediators of inflammation disturb the functional integrity of mitochondria, resulting in decreased ATP production [5,10]. All of these mechanisms driven by mitochondrial energy failure result in axonal sodium accumulation, which leads to reversed activity of the Na/Ca exchanger and axonal calcium import. This calcium overload stimulates a variety of toxic calcium­dependent enzymes, causing structural and functional axonal injury [6,10]. Brain sodium MRI: a unique noninvasive tool to depict accumulation of sodium in MS Sodium (Na) MRI appears to be the unique noninvasive way to detect and quantify in vivo the sodium concentration in the brain based on the magnetic properties of the Na nucleus [11–13]. In the human brain, sodium is distributed in two compartments; the intracellular and the extracellular compartments. The concentration gradient between the two compartments is kept constant through the effect of the sodium–potassium pump. The total sodium concentration measured by sodium MRI is the average sodium concentration between the two compartments. Sodium MRI is a promising diagnostic tool since pathological processes can alter this ion gradient. This technique has already been used to investigate strokes and brain tumors [14]. However, sodium MRI remains a challenging technique due to several limitations. A major problem of sodium MRI is related to the very short transverse relaxation time (T 2 ) of Na (<2 ms) that requires the use of imaging sequences with very short echo times (<200 μs), generally not provided by the manufacturers to detect the MR signal. The second major limitation of sodium MRI is related to its very low in vivo sensitivity, 20,000­times lower, compared with proton and leading to poor signal­to­noise ratio [15]. To date, only two studies have been per­ formed in MS that examine the total sodium concentration accumulation in lesions and normal appearing brain tissue [16,17]. Both studies demonstrated significant accumulation of total sodium concentration inside white matter lesions, normal appearing white matter and gray matter compartments. In patients with early stage relapsing–remitting MS, Zaaraoui et al. found that sodium MRI revealed abnormally high concentrations of sodium in specific brain

Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of sodium hydroxide for dogs, cats and ornamental fish

The additive consists, by specification, of a minimum of 98.0 % sodium hydroxide or alkali in the solid form, the content of solutions scaled accordingly, based on the stated or labelled concentration. No data have been provided that would support the specification of the solid form, only a 50.0 % w/w solution of sodium hydroxide in water, which is the final product of the production process described in the dossier. Sodium hydroxide is considered safe for the target animals, provided that the resulting total sodium concentration in feed does not compromise the overall electrolyte balance. Sodium hydroxide in solid form and in aqueous solution at concentrations > 8.0 % is corrosive. At lower concentrations it is irritant to skin and eyes (0.5 % and 0.2 %, respectively) and the respiratory tract (0.5 %). Exposure via inhalation is likely to be minimal. Sodium hydroxide is not considered to be a skin sensitiser. As sodium hydroxide is used in food as an acidity regulator, and its function in feed is essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy is necessary.

Hematologic and plasma biochemical reference intervals for health monitoring of wild Australian tree frogs

Few hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for wild amphibians have been established. Reference values would aid in early detection of emerging infectious diseases, which are a significant problem for amphibian conservation efforts. We aimed to establish reference intervals for a wide range of hematologic and plasma biochemistry variables for 2 species of Australian tree frogs, describe morphologic features of leukocytes, and analyze the effects of season, year, and parasite status on blood values. Blood specimens were collected from reference populations of wild adult Australian tree frogs, Litoria caerulea and L infrafrenata, for analysis of hematologic (manual) variables, plasma biochemical (automated) analytes, and plasma and serum proteins using automated methods, refractometry, and electrophoresis. Inter- and intraspecies differences were found in L caerulea (n = 80) and L infrafrenata (n = 66) frogs for hematologic and biochemical variables. Intraspecies differences were largely associated with seasonal variations. In the dry season, both species had higher WBC counts, with higher lymphocyte counts in L caerulea and higher neutrophil counts in L infrafrenata, and uric acid concentrations. In the wet season, both species had higher glucose and potassium concentrations, L caerulea frogs had higher neutrophil counts, and L infrafrenata frogs had higher total protein, phosphorus, and sodium concentrations, AST activity, PCV, hemoglobin concentration, and RBC, thrombocyte, and basophil counts. Hemogregarines were identified in 19% of blood samples from L infrafrenata frogs; multiple hematologic and biochemical variables were altered in infected frogs. Wide interspecies and seasonal variations highlight the need to establish species- and season-specific reference intervals for amphibians. Hematologic and plasma biochemical reference values should be useful in assessing the health status and in detecting emerging diseases in wild amphibians.

Evaluation of zinc tolerance and accumulation potential of the coastal shrub Limoniastrum monopetalum (L.) Boiss.

The coastal shrub Limoniastrum monopetalum is capable of growth in soil containing extremely high concentrations of heavy metals. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in order to investigate the effects of a range of Zn concentrations (0–130mmoll−1) on growth and photosynthetic performance, by measuring relative growth rate, total leaf area, plant height, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and photosynthetic pigment concentrations. We also determined the total zinc, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron and copper concentrations in the plant tissues. The study species demonstrated hypertolerance to Zn stress, since survival was recorded with leaf concentrations of up to 1700mgZnkg−1 dry mass when treated with 130mmolZnl−1. L. monopetalum exhibited little overall effects on photosynthetic function at Zn levels of up to 90mmoll−1. At greater external Zn concentration, plant growth was negatively affected, due in all probability to the recorded decline in net photosynthetic rate, which may be linked to the adverse effect of the metal on photosynthetic electron transport. Growth parameters were virtually unaffected by leaf tissue concentrations as high as 1400mgZnkg−1 dry mass thus indicating that this species could play an important role in the phytoremediation of Zn-polluted areas.

Distribution of Brain Sodium Accumulation Correlates with Disability in Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-sectional23Na MR Imaging Study

To quantify brain sodium accumulations and characterize for the first time the spatial location of sodium abnormalities at different stages of relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) by using sodium 23 ((23)Na) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. This study was approved by the local committee on ethics, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Three-dimensional (23)Na MR imaging data were obtained with a 3.0-T unit in two groups of patients with RR MS-14 with early RR MS (disease duration <5 years) and 12 with advanced RR MS (disease duration >5 years)-and 15 control subjects. Quantitative assessment of total sodium concentration (TSC) levels within compartments (MS lesions, white matter [WM], and gray matter [GM]) as well as statistical mapping analyses of TSC abnormalities were performed. TSC was increased inside demyelinating lesions in both groups of patients, whereas increased TSC was observed in normal-appearing WM and GM only in those with advanced RR MS. In patients, increased TSC inside GM was correlated with disability (as determined with the Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score; P = .046, corrected) and lesion load at T2-weighted imaging (P = .003, corrected) but not with disease duration (P = .089, corrected). Statistical mapping analysis showed confined TSC increases inside the brainstem, cerebellum, and temporal poles in early RR MS and widespread TSC increases that affected the entire brain in advanced RR MS. EDSS score correlated with TSC increases inside motor networks. TSC accumulation dramatically increases in the advanced stage of RR MS, especially in the normal-appearing brain tissues, concomitant with disability. Brain sodium MR imaging may help monitor the occurrence of tissue injury and disability.

Increased brain tissue sodium concentration in Huntington's Disease — A sodium imaging study at 4T

The neuropathological hallmark of the autosomal dominantly inherited, neurodegenerative disorder Huntington's disease is progressive striatal loss starting several years prior to symptom manifestation. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has been widely used to detect altered structure in premanifest and early Huntington's disease. Given that neurodegeneration is likely preceded by substantial neuronal dysfunction, we used in vivo sodium MR imaging, which has been shown to be sensitive to cell death and viability, to investigate cellular and metabolic integrity of Huntington's disease brain tissue. We studied a total of thirteen healthy controls and thirteen Huntington's disease gene carriers (11 manifest and 2 premanifest). The manifest Huntington's disease group was subdivided into stages 1 and 2 according to their Total Functional Capacity scores. Clinical total motor and cognitive scores, as well as calibrated sodium and T1-weighted MR images were obtained with a 4 T Siemens MR scanner. Sodium images were acquired by means of a constant time imaging technique with an ultra-short "echo time". T1-weighted MR images were further analysed with voxel-based morphometry. The absolute total sodium concentration and grey matter values were measured in several Huntington's disease-specific and also non-specific areas. Statistical analysis of variance and Pearson correlation were applied. In Huntington's disease subjects, we found an increase of total sodium concentration of the entire brain compared to controls. Increased total sodium concentration values were found in structurally affected, but also in some non-affected, regions. The highest total sodium concentration values were found in the bilateral caudate, which was associated with caudate grey matter atrophy and CAG repeat length. In all Huntington's disease subjects we further found a profound increase of total sodium concentration in the putamen, pallidum, thalamus, hippocampus, insula, precuneus and occipital cortex compared to controls. No change of total sodium concentration was observed in the amygdala, pre- and postcentral gyrus, frontal and temporal cortices or in the cerebellum. This is the first in vivo sodium MR imaging study carried out on a 4 T MR scanner in Huntington's disease gene carriers demonstrating a significant enhancement in sodium concentration in the bilateral striatum, a key region in Huntington's disease, and also in other disease-related atrophic areas. Sodium MR imaging may provide a deeper insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms of tissue degeneration in Huntington's disease, presenting potential to detect changes preceding neurodegeneration.

Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis and Permanent Weakness: 3-T MR Imaging Depicts Intracellular23Na Overload—Initial Results

To assess whether myoplasmic ionic sodium (Na+) is increased in muscles of patients with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperPP) with 3-T sodium 23 (23Na) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and to evaluate the effect of medical treatment on sodium-induced muscle edema. This study received institutional review board approval; written informed consent was obtained. Proton (hydrogen 1 [1H]) and 23Na MR of both calves were performed in 12 patients with HyperPP (mean age, 48 years±14 [standard deviation]) and 12 healthy volunteers (mean age, 38 years±12) before and after provocation (unilateral cooling, one calf). 23Na MR included spin-density, T1-weighted, and inversion-recovery (IR) sequences. Total sodium concentration and normalized signal intensities (SIs) were evaluated within regions of interest (ROIs). Muscle strength was measured with the British Medical Research Council (MRC) grading scale. Five patients underwent follow-up MR after diuretic treatment. During rest, mean myoplasmic Na+ concentration was significantly higher in HyperPP with permanent weakness (40.7 μmol/g±3.9) compared with HyperPP with transient weakness (31.3 μmol/g±4.8) (P=.004). Mean SI in 23Na IR MR was significantly higher in HyperPP with permanent weakness (0.83±0.04; median MRC, grade 4; range, 3-5) compared with HyperPP without permanent weakness (0.67±0.05; median MRC, grade 5; range, 4-5) (P=.002). Provocation reduced muscle strength in HyperPP (before provocation, median MRC, 5; range, 3-5; after provocation, median MRC, 3; range, 1-4) and increased SI in 23Na IR from 0.75±0.09 to 0.86±0.10 (P=.004). Spin-density and T1-weighted sequences were less sensitive, particularly to cold-induced Na+ changes. 23Na IR SI remained unchanged in volunteers (0.53±0.06 before and 0.54±0.06 after provocation, P=.3). Therapy reduced mean SI in 23Na IR sequence from 0.85±0.04 to 0.64±0.11. 23Na MR imaging depicts increased myoplasmic Na+ in HyperPP with permanent weakness. Na+ overload may cause muscle degeneration developing with age. 23Na MR imaging may have potential to aid monitoring of medical treatment that reduces this overload.

3 Tesla Sodium Inversion Recovery Magnetic Resonance Imaging Allows for Improved Visualization of Intracellular Sodium Content Changes in Muscular Channelopathies

To implement different sodium (²³Na)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrasts at 3 Tesla and to evaluate if a weighting toward intracellular sodium can be achieved, using 2 rare muscular channelopathies as model diseases. Both lower legs of 6 patients with hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP), 5 patients with paramyotonia congenita (PC), and 5 healthy volunteers were examined on a 3 Tesla system with 3 different ²³Na-MRI pulse sequences. HypoPP and PC are rare muscle diseases, which are well characterized by elevated myoplasmic sodium at rest and after cooling, respectively. Intra- and interindividual comparisons were performed before and after provocation of one lower leg muscle. Three different ²³Na-MRI sequences were applied: (i) The total tissue sodium concentration was measured using a spin-density sequence (²³Na-TSC). (ii) A T1-contrast was applied to assess whether the known changes of the intracellular sodium concentration can be visualized by T1-weighting (²³Na-T1). (iii) An inversion recovery (²³Na-IR) sequence was used to utmost suppress the sodium signal from extracellular or vasogenic edema. Furthermore, a potential influence of the temperature dependency of the sodium relaxation times was considered. Additionally, H-MRI was performed to examine potential lipomatous or edematous changes. In HypoPP, all Na sequences showed significantly (P<0.05) higher signal intensities compared with PC patients and healthy subjects. In muscles of PC patients, provocation induced a significant (P=0.0007) increase (>20%) in the muscular ²³Na-IR signal and a corresponding decrease of muscle strength. Additionally, a tendency to higher ²³Na-T1 (P=0.07) and ²³Na-TSC (P=0.07) signal intensities was observed. Provocation revealed no significant changes in ¹H-MRI. In volunteers and in the contralateral, not cooled lower leg, there were no significant signal intensity changes after provocation. Furthermore, the ²³Na-IR sequence allows for a suppression of signal emanating from intravascular sodium and vasogenic edema. Our results indicate that the ²³Na-IR sequence allows for a weighting toward intracellular sodium. The combined application of the ²³Na-TSC and the ²³Na-IR sequence enables an improved analysis of pathophysiological changes that occur in muscles of patients with muscular channelopathies.

Bioavailability of jarosite for stimulating acid mine drainage attenuation

Biological reduction of iron-sulfate minerals, such as jarosite, has the potential to contribute to the natural attenuation of acid mine drainage (AMD) sites. Previous studies of AMD attenuation at Davis Mine, an abandoned pyrite mine in Rowe Massachusetts, provided evidence of iron and sulfate reduction by indigenous bacteria. Jarosite is a large component of the sediment at Davis Mine and may play a role in AMD attenuation. In this study, microcosms were constructed with groundwater and sediment from Davis Mine and amended with glycerol, nitrogen and phosphorus (GNP) and naturally formed natrojarosite. Over time, higher total iron, sulfate, pH and sodium concentrations and lower oxidation–reduction potentials were observed in microcosms amended with GNP and jarosite, compared with unamended microcosms and killed controls. Geochemical modeling predicted jarosite precipitation under microcosm conditions, suggesting that abiotic processes were unlikely contributors to jarosite dissolution. SEM imaging at the jarosite surface showed microbial attachment. Microbial community composition analysis revealed a shift to higher populations of Clostridia, which are known to reduce both iron and sulfate. The results show that jarosite may be utilized as an electron acceptor by iron and/or sulfate reducing bacteria at Davis Mine and its presence may aid in the attenuation of AMD.

Zinc tolerance and accumulation in the salt-marsh shrub Halimione portulacoides

The halophytic shrub Halimione portulacoides is known to be capable of growth in soils containing extremely high concentrations of Zn. This study evaluated in detail the tolerance and accumulation potential of H. portulacoides under moderate and high external Zn levels. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in order to investigate the effects of a range of Zn concentrations (0–130mmolL−1) on growth and photosynthetic performance by measuring relative growth rate, total leaf area, specific leaf area, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and photosynthetic pigment concentrations. We also determined the total zinc, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron and copper concentrations in the plant tissues. H. portulacoides demonstrated hypertolerance to Zn stress, since it survived with leaf concentrations of up to 2300mgZnkg−1dry mass, when treated with 130mmolZnL−1. Zinc concentrations greater than 70mmolL−1 in the nutrient solution negatively affected plant growth, in all probability due to the recorded decline in net photosynthesis rate. Our results indicate that the Zn-induced decline in the photosynthetic function of H. portulacoides may be attributed to the adverse effect of the high concentration of the metal on photosynthetic electron transport. Growth parameters were virtually unaffected by leaf tissue concentrations as high as 1500mgZnkg−1dry mass, demonstrating the strong capability of H. portulacoides to protect itself against toxic Zn concentrations. The results of our study indicate that this salt-marsh shrub may represent a valuable tool in the restoration of Zn-polluted areas.

SERUM BIOCHEMICAL ALTRATIONS FOLLOWING ALLOXAN- INDUCED DIABETES MELLITUS IN THE LOCAL MALE DONKEY

Alloxan is known to induce diabetes mellitus in the experimental animals. The objective of this study is to evaluate the biochemical alterations resulted from alloxan- induced diabetes in the local breed of donkey males. Two groups of donkey males (n=7 each group) were subjected to the experiment, the 1st one considered as a non diabetic control whereas the 2nd injected with alloxan monohydrate (100 mg. kg-1) with a single dose. Results of serum biochemical analysis along with 15 days from alloxan injection revealed in addition to the hyperglycemia, a significant (p≤0.05) elevation in total cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, inorganic phosphate, malondialdehyde serum concentration as well as increased activity of serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine phosphokinase and γ- glutamyl transferase in respect to both control or baseline values. Serum calcium and glutathione concentration was declined as a result of experimental diabetes in male donkey with no significant changes in total bilirubin, hemoglobin, sodium and potassium concentrations. In conclusion, administration of a single dose of alloxan to the male donkey produced a reproducible model of diabetes mellitus which negatively affects the serum lipids, proteins, liver enzymes, kidney function and the markers of oxidative stress.

Synergic effect of salinity and zinc stress on growth and photosynthetic responses of the cordgrass, Spartina densiflora

Spartina densiflora is a C4 halophytic species that has proved to have a high invasive potential which derives from its physiological plasticity to environmental factors, such as salinity. It is found in coastal marshes of south-west Spain, growing over sediments with between 1 mmol l−1 and 70 mmol l−1 zinc. A glasshouse experiment was designed to investigate the synergic effect of zinc from 0 mmol l−1 to 60 mmol l−1 at 0, 1, and 3% NaCl on the growth and the photosynthetic apparatus of S. densiflora by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and gas exchange, and its recovery after removing zinc. Antioxidant enzyme activities and total zinc, sodium, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen concentrations were also determined. Spartina densiflora showed the highest growth at 1 mmol l−1 zinc and 1% NaCl after 90 d of treatment; this enhanced growth was supported by the measurements of net photosynthetic rate (A). Furthermore, there was a stimulatory effect of salinity on accumulation of zinc in tillers of this species. Zinc concentrations >1 mmol l−1 reduced growth of S. densiflora, regardless of salinity treatments. This declining growth may be attributed to a decrease in A caused by diffusional limitation of photosynthesis, owing to the modification of the potassium/calcium ratio. Also, zinc and salinity had a marked overall effect on the photochemical (photosystem II) apparatus, partially mediated by the accumulation of H2O2 and subsequent oxidative damage. However, salinity favoured the recovery of the photosynthetic apparatus to the toxic action of zinc, and enhanced the nutrient uptake.

Clinical and pathological study of experimentally- induced yew (Taxus baccata) poisoning in sheep

Acute yew (Taxus baccata) intoxication was induced in 7 adult sheep by oral administration of the plant materials at the dose of 2.5g/kg body weight. Blood samples for hematology and serum biochemistry were collected before and after the induced intoxication.Electrocardiography was performed using a base-apex lead. Intoxicated animals displayed lethargy, depression, bradycardia and varying intensity of heart sounds. The ECGs of intoxicated sheep showed a variety of arrhythmias and abnormalities including multifocal ventricular tachycardia, idioventricular and idiojunctinal rhythm and QRS and T widening. Four sheep died within 4-16 hours after yew administration. Significant increase of white blood cells, total neutrophil counts and serum sodium concentration were observed. Post mortem examination and histological evaluation were done with special regards on tissue changes of the myocardium and conduction system. There were hyperemia, focal hemorrhage and multifocal nonsuppurative interstitial myocarditis with mild focal cardiac muscle cell degeneration and necrosis in the affected hearts which appeared more prominent in the right atrium. Histopathological examination of cardiac conduction system also revealed moderate to severe interstitial edema with inflammation of the SA-node, AV-node, the bundle branches and His-bundle in all cases which was most severe in the AV-node and the His-bundle. Oral administration of dried leaves of T. baccata, at the dose of 2.5g/kg can induce acute toxicity, manifested clinically by a variety of cardiac arrhythmia and myocardial lesions including special conduction system in pathology.

Correlation assessment and monitoring of the potential pollutants in the surface sediments of Pyeongchang River, Korea

The study provides a baseline for the assessment of the organic and inorganic pollution specially, heavy metal contamination in the surface sediments of Pyeongchang River, South Korea. The assessment of the study areas was done with respect to metal pollution load, ecological risk and geoaccumulated risk. Based upon the used indices, a priority index ( P index ) was used to rank the utmost contaminated sites. Though the concentrations of mercury in all sediments were below the guideline, the significant enriched contamination was observed by all applied indices. As expected, the values of pollution load index ( PLI), ecological risk index ( RI) and geoaccumulation risk index ( I geo ) demonstrated lower heavy metal contamination in upstream areas compared to the downstream. Admittedly, sediments were unpolluted to slightly-polluted according to PLI while high to extremely high ecological risks were observed in several sediment samples. Furthermore, all the samples were uncontaminated as per I geo . After simplification of I geo , the P index showed the utmost contaminated sediments with a value of 2.537. Notably, protective measures should be taken to the highly contaminated areas which are prioritized by P index . Admittedly, the maximum concentrations of total organic carbon, total nitrogen, inorganic nitrogen, total phosphorous, inorganic phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium were significantly observed as 7.8×10 4, 3,185, 36, 1,032, 3.7, 1,5163, 2,881, 669 and 4,076mg/kg accordingly.

Characterization of gender-specific bovine serum

Animal cell cultures generally require a nutrient-rich medium supplemented with animal serum. Adult bovine serum contains a variety of nutrients including inorganic minerals, vitamins, salts, proteins and lipids as well as growth factors that promote animal cell growth. To evaluate the potential use of gender-specific bovine serum (GSBS) for cell culture, the biochemical properties of male serum (MS), female serum (FS) and castrated-male serum (CMS) were investigated. Overall, the chemical profile of GSBS was similar to that of bovine references except for glucose, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and potassium. FS showed elevated total protein and sodium concentrations compared to MS and CMS. Proteins present in MS, FS and CMS but absent in fetal bovine serum (FBS) were selected by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and identified by peptide mass fingerprinting. Some of the identified proteins are known to be involved in immune responses and the others have unknown physiological roles. Moreover, it was found that some proteins such as alpha-2-macroglobulin appeared to be gender-specific with higher contents in FS. Insulin and testosterone was significantly higher in MS, and 17β-estradiol and estrone were higher in FS, as compared to the other sera. Taken together, the results indicate that each GSBS has a different ratio of components. Differences in serum constituents may affect cell cultures in a different manner and could be beneficial, depending on the specific aim of cell cultures.

Laboratory Variables Associated with Low Near-Infrared Cerebral Oxygen Saturation in Icteric Patients Before Liver Transplantation Surgery

Although regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO₂) measurements can detect disturbances in cerebral oxygenation, their usefulness is limited in patients with hyperbilirubinemia. We examined the relationship between rSO₂ and other laboratory variables that may affect interpretation of low rSO₂ in awake patients with end-stage liver disease before liver transplantation surgery. Before induction of general anesthesia, rSO₂ was measured in 164 patients with liver cirrhosis (Child class A/B/C = 19/41/104) and 8 with fulminant hepatic failure. Patients with West Haven hepatic encephalopathy of grade 3 or 4 were excluded. Relationships between rSO₂ and laboratory variables were evaluated by correlation and multivariate regression, and by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Univariate analyses showed that rSO₂ (median 58.5%, range 15% to 82%) correlated with serum total bilirubin, hemoglobin (Hb), creatinine, sodium, and magnesium concentrations, and prothrombin time (P < 0.001 each), but not with serum concentrations of glucose, albumin, potassium, and ammonia. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only elevated total bilirubin (range 0.4 to 66 mg/dL; odds ratio [OR] = 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18 to 1.45) and low Hb (range 5.3 to 15.7 g/dL; OR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.43) were independently related to rSO₂ <50%. The optimum cutoff points for observing an rSO₂ < 50% were total bilirubin >7.2 mg/dL (sensitivity 89%, specificity 90%) and Hb <9.6 g/dL (sensitivity 70%, specificity 82%). High total bilirubin and low Hb concentrations were independently associated with rSO₂ values below 50% in end-stage liver disease patients awaiting liver transplantation. The results of this study identify patients in whom a low rSO₂ may be an artifact rather than cerebral ischemia.